Germany Confirms Kidnapping of Two Citizens by Islamist Group in Philippines

Berlin Won't Change Its Policy on Iraq, Syria Following Threat

BERLIN—The German Foreign Ministry on Wednesday confirmed the kidnapping of two German citizens in Philippines by an Islamist terrorist group, which recently declared its allegiance to Islamic State militants.

Ministry spokeswoman Sawsan Chebli said the government has set up an emergency task force to look into how the hostages could be released. She declined to reveal more details.